Home Grown

Hello--I just stumbled on your blog after reading Susie Sunshine's. Your stockings are beautiful.
I thought I would chime in with a couple of ideas for your stocking stuffer dilemma.
Go to the hardware store and find some cute little gadgets like a tiny toolkit, mini flashlight on a keychain, maybe an insulated travel coffee mug and gift card for Starbucks? Don't forget the candy, of course. In my family everyone gets a Christmas orange in the toe.

Good luck with your shopping. Merry Christmas!
Jen

One of the best conversations I overheard was my children talking about how much they loved the stuff "Santa" put in their stockings. Some years it is easier than most to find goodies. This year I got some small stuff from Bath & Body Works, starbuck's gift card (I have put restaurant certificates and jamba juice ones). Silly stuff from the dollar store like Pez dispensers. I don't suggest such items for the gentleman like condoms, jk. (you are going to kill me) A deck of playing cards fits nicely in a stocking, ear muffs, and all the stuff Jen suggested. That hammer thing that cracks a windshield if you go over a bridge. If you don't like him then a lump of coal will surfice.

Maybe some old fashioned type games, my mom always put things in our stockings that she used to get when she was young. Our favorites were always jacks and pick up sticks and uno, things we could play with while the adults sat and chatted after gifts.

I meant to imply that he could play those games with the children in your family, a bit of an icebreaker if you will.

Car wash gift certificates, gift cards to the local coffee shop. I know of no man who hates chocolate.
Husband is getting a mini ultra high power LED light that will go on his keychain for dog walking duty, lindt choclate truffles, his favourite liqueuer filled choclates. Other years I have put in small tools he hs requested like his favourite sized phillips head screwdriver, 1 for every floor of the house so he need never track it down.
Home Depot or Lowe's gift cards.
A mini eyeglass repair kit set of screwdrivers.
A favorite one year was a magnet on a telescoping len like apparatus. it allows you to retrieve that screw that fell down there. I also got him a mini mirror on a telescope as well as a mini grabber (sort of like a tool you would use to pull a pickle out of a jar) that telescopes. that sucker has grabbed things out of the most tiny places a person could never get to with little effort.

I almost cried at the love and care that your MIL put into those stockings. That is truly an act straight from her heart. They are breathtaking, Angie.

When you talk about Steven and your whole family, I get so happy just thinking about how wonderful it is that you two found each other. I know you didn't have an easy start, and no one deserves this happiness more. Hugs.

Those are lovely! I love Colby and little Steven's stockings.

As for suggestions for impersonal gifts...do you know if he's a tea or coffee lover? The little 'try it' packs of coffee might be nice. Cheese and sausage? LED keychain was a good idea from above.

Those stocking are adorable! I say candy and food items for the male friend.

Your mother-in-law is a true artist, Angie. Those stockings are works of art and I am happy that you know how valuable they are.

For your mom's friend, I suggest gift cards, candy, and harware store items as suggested above.

Your mother in law is very talented. It is clear that she thinks a lot of you.
As fot the gentleman, I found a disposable camera is fun for house guests to record a visit. Especially in a home as nice as yours. A pen and notepad set (inexpensive) is always welcome and maybe a homemade cookie or 2 and a coffee or teabag in case he wakes early and wants to help himself. Your home is just magic !

Those are so gorgeous.

Re: Gifts for the new guy. I ditto what the others said and add silly socks (a tradition in my family), an ornament, or warm mittens.